Legendary pop-reggae band UB40 is turning the big four five and will return to the States to celebrate.
After last year’s successful North American run, the iconic band is bringing it all back for their UB45 summer tour. The jaunt will kick off on July 4th in New Jersey and make its way to the West Coast with a stop in Los Angeles at The Microsoft Theater on July 21st.
The Grammy-nominated band will also release a new album, also titled “UB45.” The album will feature “new songs and reworked classics.”
Guitarist and vocalist Robin Campbell said, “We love playing the U.S., and celebrating our 45th year and having a new album makes our return even more exciting.”
Matt Doyle | Photo by Stephanie Pepper Photography
Lead singer Matt Doyle added, “Touring the States last year was an absolute dream come true for me, and now I just can’t wait to get back out there. Most of all I can’t wait for the U.S. fans to hear some of our new tunes! I think they’re going to love UB45!”
OC Music News spoke to Campbell and Doyle last year and when I said their shows always put me in a positive mood, Campbell said, “That’s the plan! We have such a good time. We hope that that translates to the audience every time.”
Robin Campbell | Photo by Stephanie Pepper Photography
He went on, “We have a party when we play. We enjoy ourselves and we have a ball, and that’s what we want the audience to do. We want them up and dancing and singing along with us. And 999 times out of 1000, that’s what happens.”
We fully expect the party to happen when they perform the many, many classic songs fans love: “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” “Here I Am (Come and Take Me),” “Red Red Wine,” “(I Can’t Help) Falling In Love With You,” “Kingston Town,” “Many Rivers to Cross,” “Come Back Darling,” and my personal favorite, “Bring Me Your Cup.”
The new stuff has gained plenty of love too; “Champion” and “You Don’t Call Anymore” proved Doyle has the pipes to lead.
Rounding out the band are Jimmy Brown (drums), Earl Falconer (bass/vocals), Norman Lamont Hassan (percussion/vocals), Martin Meredith (keyboards/ sax), Tony Mullings (keyboards), Laurence Parry (trumpet/ trombone), and Ian Thompson (sax).
Joining UB40 for this summer tour are special guests including Maxi Priest, Inner Circle, Third World, and Big Mountain.
Tickets for some dates are already on sale, but they also plan to add more dates.
